3 ways you can grow your business with user generated content

Published 5th August, 2016

User generated content is an important tool in the business world, allowing you to promote your brand in a unique and authentic way. From reviews to questions and answers through to images of them using your products, user generated content is any content related to your business, produced by your customers.

Today consumers expect detailed, personalised content which allows businesses to show off their company and what they have to offer, something user generated content can offer. Let’s take a look at some of the ways small businesses can include user generated content in their own successful campaigns.

Repost customer photos

This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to obtain user generated content and can be a great way of adding authenticity to your marketing strategy. By asking your customers to show off themselves using your products and reposting them on your own social media or website it can be an important factor in showing that people actually want and love your products, establishing trustworthiness.

Showing your customers and the type of people they are also allows other potential customers to relate to your brand, if they see people like themselves with your product it gives the illusion that they too are meant for your brand and your products, encouraging them to visit your website and check out your products and services.

User reviews

Consumers trust reviews from other people and many will read reviews of your business before they fully commit to buying your products or services. User reviews are now one of the most effective ways to create trust with your customers as they are seen as honest and reliable and featuring reviews on your website can show you have nothing to hide.

There are a number of ways you can show off customer reviews, both through your website and through your social media. Why not start encouraging customer feedback and reviews, not only can it help your credibility but it also allows you to learn what might not be right with your business and gives you the chance to improve.

Crowdsource ideas

When done correctly crowdsourcing can be a great way to generate ideas and content from customers or potential customers. Crowdsourcing is where you offer your customers chance to vote for or create a new idea for your company, be it the name of a product, a new product all together or the name of a £200million vessel.

Crowdsourcing is a great way to get your customer involved and allows them to embrace their creativity, creating engagement along the way. However it is important that you monitor your crowdsourcing contest carefully and limit what your customers could say in order to keep things fun and lighthearted.

User generated content is becoming more and more relevant and used universally to help businesses grow. Not only can user generated content attract potential customers but it can also be a great way to keep customer relationships, creating a personalised, fun experience for those interested in your business. If you’re looking for cost effective and unique ways to market your business why not consider incorporating user generated content into your marketing strategy today!